UK Athletics has announced the selection criteria for athletes seeking to earn selection in the Norwich Union Great Britain and Northern Ireland team for the World Road Running Championships to be run over half marathon distance in Udine, Italy, on Sunday 14 October 2007.

It is UK Athletics’ intention to send athletes if they have achieved the following half marathon times:

Setting high guideline standards provides a realistic appraisal of the competition at these championships. A team of five athletes can be selected to run in each race with three to score.

There will be a trial race at the Reebok Bristol Half Marathon, which will incorporate the UK Championships, on Sunday 9 September. The first two eligible senior male and female athletes will be automatically selected, providing they have achieved the individual qualifying time. Any further selections will be based on all known form over an appropriate distance up to and including the trial.

All athletes who do not intend to compete at the trial and wish to be considered for selection must ensure that they advise the UKA Senior Co-ordinator for Endurance Spencer Barden of their situation prior to the selection date on the 9 September.

All performances will be considered in the qualifying period 1 January 2007 to 9 September. Any athlete who has achieved the qualifying times in a half marathon prior to1 May will have to show current form over an appropriate distance at the time of selection.

The team will be selected immediately after the trials and announced on Monday 10 September.

For ‘elite’ athlete entries – men with a best under 66:30 or women with a best under 76:30 – please email bristol@frsystems.co.uk or UK Event Coach for Marathon Bud Baldaro.

For information on the event and a Britons-only prize structure, please refer to the official race website.